Cole Talks about His Junior Day Visit to RU

Matei Georgescu

02/15/2008

Mike Cole, the 6-foot-3 and 250-pound standout lineman by way of North Brunswick HS (North Brunswick, NJ) impressed onlookers with his Junior season performance. He participated in the Army All-American Combine this past winter and demonstrated impressive agility and strength. Cole, who is receiving significant interest from a number of local and regional schools, recently visited Rutgers.

Mike Cole [6-foot3 and 250-pounds] was one of 68 rising Juniors to receive an invitation to Rutgers' second Junior day of the recruiting season. Cole, who projects at either the Center spot or on the interior of the defensive line at the next level, came away very impressed after his visit to Rutgers.

"Junior Day was very good. I liked how Coach Schiano talked about how he loves the state of New Jersey and his players. He really makes you feel that he cares about you, but not just for football. I really liked the campus a lot too. And the weight room and training room, and all the technology they have, that was impressive," stated the central Jersey All-State performer.

"I got a chance to talk to Coach Susan [Rutgers' Recruiting Coordinator]. He asked me how things were going. I really like Coach Susan. He's come by the school a couple of times and I'm getting a chance to know him."

Cole, who has yet to receive his initial offer, will be attending the Premier Showcase this weekend. Afterwards, it's the by invite only Nike Camp at Penn State. And in terms of school camps, it seems that the rising Junior has determined a list consisting of a trio of summer camps that he's going to be attending: Rutgers, Boston College, and Northwestern.

For now, Cole's list of suitors continues to grow. The long list of colleges and universities that are currently recruiting the North Brunswick standout include Rutgers, Northwestern, Connecticut, Boston College, Maryland, Purdue, Wake Forest, Syracuse, and Iowa.

SOR asked Cole, who states he remains wide open to all schools that are interested in him, to briefly discuss the schools currently pursuing him.

Rutgers: It's very close to home and I like the fact that all my friends and family would be able to come and see me play. And the program is just getting better and better.

Northwestern: I really like the academics there and I like that they are in the Big 10.

Connecticut: They are on the rise right now and their recruiting coach, Coach Lakatos, is somebody I really like and get along with.

Boston College: They have a very good combination of academics and football.

Maryland: I like that they seem to be on the rise also and that they play in the ACC.

Purdue: Like Northwestern, they're in the Big 10 and it seems like they're always playing great competition.

Wake Forest: They have very good academics and they have been very good the last couple of years.

Syracuse: When I spoke to the Defensive Line Coach there, we just seemed to really get along and I like him a lot.

Iowa: They recruit a lot tof New Jersey players and I'd like tot learn more about them.

SOR will stay in touch with Cole as the competition for his services heats up during the spring and summer season.